Office Party Dos and Don'ts
Office parties are not so much "parties" as they are business events with crepe paper. As such, they require an entirely different set of rules than real parties, which are designed to make you forget that you work in an office, or have a job at all.
Dress for success
No matter what you do for the company, whether you're CEO or a cafeteria worker, wear a nice outfit that suits the occasion.
Don't have fun.
That isn't to say you shouldn't enjoy yourself. But remember that the office party is about networking and representing yourself as a part of the company. If you find yourself getting a little too wild, immediately put down your drink, reapply your game face and get back to networking.
Don't get drunk
Even a teensy bit tipsy can be dangerous. Feel free to treat yourself, but limit it to a glass of wine, a cocktail or a couple glasses of champagne.
Don't eat
Nibble delicately at the buffet but don't load your plate down and part yourself at a table to chow down. In fact, try not to sit at all.
No dancing
Save that for the club you're sneaking out to later.
Don't talk about...
Stear clear of conversations about religion, politics, controversial topics, negative topics, or anything bad regarding your job, your coworkers, your boss or the company in general. Your best bet is to politely listen and keep steering the conversation back to the other person's interests.
Stay no more than 1.5 hours.
Thank your host and say what a lovely event it has been. There's no need to explain where you're going; if you're asked point-blank, just say, "I unfortunately have another engagement that I couldn't reschedule." Then head for that club to have some real fun.
